Acne is a complex condition. Diet plays a role, but so do your lifestyle and genes. There are foods that help cause acne and foods that help fight it. More research is needed about the link between diet and acne. Here's what we know about food causes of acne so far.
MILK
According to the results of one study, drinking more milk increases the risk of acne. And the effect is worse with skim milk. Researchers don't know if it's due to the hormones in milk from pregnant cows. High levels of these hormones are associated with a greater risk of acne.
SUGAR AND SOME CARBS
Some foods and drinks contain a lot of sugar or they have carbs that break down and enter the bloodstream fast. Sugar, white rice, white bread, and cake are so-called high glycemic index foods that may make acne worse. High glycemic index foods and drinks trigger the production of insulin to lower blood sugar. The hormone cascades that follow intake of these foods increase oil production in your skin.
CHOCOLATE
Chocolate is one of the foods that may trigger acne, according to results from some small studies. Cocoa was considered the main culprit but one of the studies showed that people who ate chocolate containing 10 times the amount of cocoa were no more likely to get breakouts than those who ate chocolate containing regular amounts of cocoa. Choosing dark chocolate to manage acne may be a better choice since it has less milk and sugar.
HIGH-FIBER FOODS
Foods that fight acne include high-fiber foods like oatmeal, whole-grain cereal, beans, carrots, and apples. No one knows why these foods that get rid of acne work. It may be that fiber helps control blood sugar, which affects levels of other hormones involved in acne.
SALMON
When shopping for foods to prevent acne, don't forget to grab some salmon. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which lower inflammation in the body. They may help keep acne at bay. Consuming the fish also decreases IGF-1, a protein that increases the risk of acne.
NUTS
Acne is an inflammatory condition and many people with breakouts are low in antioxidants like vitamin E and selenium. Nuts are rich in these compounds and may help keep your skin clear. Reach for almonds, Brazil nuts, and peanuts as foods that may help clear acne. Antioxidants help repair cells and help ward off infections. Be careful though. Nuts are high in fat and calories. A sensible serving is 3 to 4 Brazil nuts or about 24 almonds.
OYSTERS
Zinc is antibacterial and may help kill certain kinds of bacteria that contribute to acne. Zinc inhibits the production of chemicals that promote inflammation, another process involved in acne. Excess zinc is not healthy. Adults should take care to not ingest more than 40 milligrams per day of the mineral.
SEAWEED
It's a staple of Japanese cuisine and you eat it with sushi, salads, or as a snack. Seaweed is rich in iodine, but it may trigger acne breakouts. The recommended daily allowance (RDA) for most adults for iodine is 150 milligrams per day. Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding need more. Iodine is found in seaweed but also fish, iodized salt, and dairy products.
DOES OILY FOOD TRIGGER ACNE?
Your mom told you to avoid eating oily, greasy foods because they give you acne. Not so. It's a myth that fried foods trigger acne. However, if you cook with a lot of oil, you may get more breakouts. Oil from a deep fryer or pan may clog your pores while you are cooking.
WHEN TO SEE A DOCTOR
Diet changes, home skin care, and over-the-counter treatments are not always enough to get acne under control. If that is the case, you may need to see a dermatologist about your skin condition. Medical treatment may help you get a handle on acne and reduce the risk of scarring.
